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Former CU RB, Heisman Winner Rashaan Salaam Passes Away

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - Former University of Colorado running back and Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam has passed away. Police in Boulder confirm a gun and note were found near his body.

Rashaan Salaam
Running back Rashaan Salaam with the Heisman Trophy in December 1994 (credit: Getty Images Sport)

The Boulder County Coroner's office confirmed the death, saying it occurred at the Eben G. Fine Park in Boulder. What was written in the note has not been released.

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Eben Fine Park in Boulder (credit: CBS)

Friends told CBS4 that he had been distant lately.

"He wouldn't return text messages, calls... I think, obviously he was going through some stuff," said Salaam's friend Joe Devereaux. "I wish he would have reached out to anybody, you know, because this is just awful."

Salaam played for the University of Colorado from 1992 to 1994.

"He was so defined, I think too often by winning the Heisman Trophy and not by other things that made him a whole person, things that he loved and cared about and I think he, in fact I know he had challenges at times making that transition," said former CU Buffs player Charles Johnson.

Rashaan Salaam
Rashaan Salaam (credit: Getty Images)

In his junior year, when he won the Heisman, Salaam ran for a school-record 2,055 yards, becoming only the fourth college back to go for over 2,000 yards in a single season.

He also had 25 touchdowns, helping the Buffs to an 11-1 record, which was good for a No. 3 finish in the AP Poll.

"You know, he always had that Rashaan Salaam smile and energy and excitement and love for the University of Colorado Buffaloes and it's tough to understand. We don't understand it right now," said former teammate Blake Anderson.

Rashaan Salaam
Chicago Bears Rashaan Salaam steps on Minnesota Viking Pete Bercich in the first quarter for a one yard gain and advances to the Minnesota 27 yard line 28 October at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN. The Bears defeated the Vikings 15-13. AFP PHOTO Craig LASSIG (Photo credit should read CRAIG LASSIG/AFP/Getty Images)

Salaam was drafted in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, where he played from 1995 to 1997 and became the youngest player in league history to rush for over 1,000 yards.

Throughout his career, Salaam also played for the Cleveland Browns, the Green Bay Packers, and the San Francisco 49ers.

"One of my best teammates and friend is no longer with us," former Buffs quarterback Kordell Stewart posted to Instagram. "He was a great one...we will miss this dude. The things we did together on the field could NEVER be matched, but the person was just as dynamic."

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